How to Check RAM on Windows 11

How to Check your RAM on Windows 11

When your computer starts running slowly, the first thing you should do is check your RAM. Also, if you are thinking about upgrading your ram, then understanding your current RAM’s speed, type, and capacity can help you decide what kind of RAM to buy. This guide will show you how to check how much RAM you have, as well as how much RAM you’re currently using on Windows 11.

How to check how much RAM you have

Using the Settings App

The Settings app is the fastest and easiest way to view your computer’s RAM usage.

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click the System icon, then scroll down and click About.

    click the System icon, then scroll down and click About.
    Click the System icon, then click About.

  3. Under the “Device specifications” section, find the number next to Installed RAM. This number is your computer’s total amount of installed RAM.

    Under the Device specifications section, there is a line named Installed RAM. This number is your computer's total amount of RAM.
    There is a line named Installed RAM. This number is your computer’s total amount of RAM.

Using Command Prompt

The command prompt is a text-based interface that allows you to execute commands on your computer.

    1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box to open the command prompt. Then type “cmd” and press Enter.

      Press (Windows key +R) and type “cmd” to open the Command Prompt.
      Press Windows key +R and type “cmd” to open the Command Prompt.

    2. Once the command prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter:
      wmic memorychip list full
    3. This command generates a list of your RAM information, such as capacity, type, speed, and more.

      This command will generate a list of your RAM information such as capacity, type, speed, and more.
      This command will generate a list of your RAM information.

Using Third-Party Application

Third-party applications are always an option for checking how much ram you have. Many applications are available, but we will use HWinfo as an example.

  1. To download HWinfo, go to the official website and click the Free Download button.

    To download HWinfo, go to the official website and click the Download button.
    Click the Download button.

  2. Once the download is finished, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the program.

    Once the download is finished, open the installer and follow the instructions to install the program.
    Open the installer and follow the instructions to install the program.

  3. When the installation is done, open HWinfo, and a popup window will appear. Click Start.

    When the installation is done, open HWinfo. A popup window will appear. Click Start.
    Open HWinfo, then click Start.

  4. On the left side of the HWinfo window, click Memory. This will show your total memory size, current memory clock, etc.

    On the left side of the HWinfo window, click Memory. This will show your total memory size, current memory clock, etc.
    Click Memory. This will show your total memory size, current memory clock, etc.

How to check how much RAM your computer is using

Using System Information

System Information is a tool that provides detailed information about your computer, including its RAM usage.

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box to open System Information. Then type “msinfo32” and press Enter.

    To open System Information, press the (Windows key + R) to open the Run dialog box. Then type "msinfo32" and press Enter
    Type “msinfo32” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

  2. Under the System Summary section, you’ll see five lines related to your computer’s RAM.

    Under the System Summary section, you will see five lines related to your computer's RAM.
    Five lines related to your computer’s RAM.

  • Installed Physical Memory (RAM): how much RAM is installed on your computer.
  • Total Physical Memory: how much of that RAM is used.
  • Available Physical Memory: how much RAM is available.
  • Total Virtual Memory: Virtual memory is a function that allows a computer to use disk storage as a substitute for physical RAM to compensate for shortages. When available RAM decreases, virtual memory can move data from it to a paging file, freeing up RAM. This technique permits physical RAM to be freed up.
  • Available Virtual Memory: the virtual memory that is currently unused and accessible.

Using Task Manager

Task manager is a system monitor tool that provides information about your computer’s RAM usage status.

  1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the task manager.
  2. Once the task manager opens, select the Performance tab.

    Once the task manager opens, click the Performance tab.
    Click the Performance tab.

  3. In the left sidebar, you will see a few options. Click Memory. This will open the memory usage window.

    In the left sidebar, you will see a few options. Click Memory. This will open the memory usage window.
    Click Memory. This will open the memory usage window.

  4. You will see a line at the bottom of the window that says In use. This is the amount of RAM currently being used by your computer. Behind that, you will see the Cached line. This is the amount of RAM used to store frequently accessed data. Below that, you will see the Available line. This is the amount of RAM available for use.
At the bottom of the window, you will see a three lines related to your RAM usage, in use, cash, and available.
Three lines related to your RAM usage, In use, Cached, and Available.

Using Resource Monitor

The resource monitor is a more detailed version of the task manager that allows you to see real-time information about your computer’s RAM usage.

  1. To open the resource monitor, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then type “resmon” and press Enter.

    To open the resource monitor, press the (Windows key + R) to open the Run dialog box. Then type "resmon" and press Enter.
    Type “resmon” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.

  2. Once the resource monitor opens, click the Memory tab. On the right side of this tab, you will find a graph showing your computer’s RAM usage.

    Once the resource monitor opens, click the Memory tab. On the right side of this tap, you will find a graph showing you the current usage of your computer's RAM.
    Graph showing you the current usage of your computer’s RAM.

  3. In the middle of the window, you will see a list of all the processes currently using your computer’s RAM. The amount of RAM that each process uses is listed next to it.

    In the middle of the window, you will see a list of all the processes currently using your computer's RAM. The amount of RAM that each process uses is listed next to it.
    A list of all the processes currently using your computer’s RAM.

  4. At the bottom of the window, you will see a summary of your computer’s current RAM usage. This includes the total amount of RAM used and the available RAM.

    At the bottom of the window, you will see a summary of your computer's current RAM usage. This includes the total amount of RAM used and the available RAM.
    A summary of your computer’s current RAM usage.

Erik is a full-time product quality engineer at the IBM who has a passion for teaching others (and always learning) about technology. He has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology. Erik is the chief editor for Windows, Linux and coding tutorials.

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